Device for attaching haunch carrier to a bridge beam member

ABSTRACT

A unitary device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of a bridge structure includes a first portion having a first substantially planar surface thereof abuttingly engageable with a top generally horizontal surface of the support beam and a second portion extending upwardly and generally perpendicular relative to the first portion and having a first end thereof disposed at a first end of the first portion. A third portion has a first end thereof disposed at an opposed second end of the second portion and has an opposed second end thereof disposed on an opposed second substantially planar surface of the first portion. The third portion is disposed at a first predetermined angle relative to the first portion and at a second predetermined angle relative to the second portion. An aperture is formed through a thickness of the second portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to bridge structures and, more particularly, this invention relates to a device for attaching a haunch carrier to a top surface of a support beam employed within the bridge structure.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

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REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known in the art of bridge structures, haunch carriers are required to attach bridge deck form to beam supports manufactured either from steel or concrete. Thus, haunch carrier is positioned along the edge of the beam support and is fastened to a series of L-shaped members manufactured from steel and attached along edge or edges of the beam support. Upright gusset is welded to each L-shaped member in order to achieve required rigidity.

However, it has been determined that improvements are needed in order to reduce installation costs of attaching haunch carriers as well as to accommodate use of bridge decks manufactured from polymers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a unitary device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of a bridge structure. The unitary device includes a first portion having a first substantially planar surface thereof abutting a top generally horizontal surface of the support beam when the device is positioned for attaching the at least one haunch carrier. A second portion is also provided and has a first end thereof disposed at a first end of the first portion. The second portion extends upwardly and generally perpendicular relative to the first portion. The first end of the first portion is disposed in close proximity to one exterior edge of the support beam. There is also a third portion having a first end thereof disposed at an opposed second end of the second portion and having an opposed second end thereof disposed on an opposed second substantially planar surface of the first portion. The third portion is disposed at a first predetermined angle relative to the first portion and at a second predetermined angle relative to the second portion. An aperture is provided and is formed through a thickness of the second portion. The aperture is disposed in a generally vertical plane when the device is positioned for attaching the at least one haunch carrier.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of a bridge structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of a bridge structure that can be employed with either concrete or steel beams.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of a bridge structure that has a first portion engaging the top surface of the beam, the second portion extending upwardly from the first portion and the third portion disposed at an angle and connecting the ends of the first and second portions.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of a bridge structure that has an aperture for operative alignment with an aperture in the haunch carrier.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of a bridge structure that can be manufactured from different materials.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of a bridge structure reduces installation costs.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a device for attaching a haunch carrier to bridge support beam;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a device for attaching a haunch carrier to bridge support beam;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of a device for attaching a haunch carrier to bridge support beam;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a further embodiment of a device for attaching a haunch carrier to a pair of bridge support beams;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of yet a further embodiment of a device for attaching a haunch carrier to a pair of bridge support beams;

FIG. 7 is an environmental view of employing the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial end view of the device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an environmental view of employing the device of FIG. 1, 5, or 6;

FIG. 10 is one partial end view of the device of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is another partial end view of the device of FIG. 9.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

The present invention is illustrated and described in combination with a bridge structure, generally designated as 10. Such bridge structure 10 includes at least a pair of spaced apart beam members 12. Each of such at least a pair of spaced apart beam members 12 has a generally horizontal top surface 14 defined by a pair of longitudinal top edges 16 and 18. The bridge structure 10 also includes at least one haunch carrier 20 which is described in this invention as having an L-shaped cross-section in a direction transverse to its length and a plurality of spaced apart apertures 24 formed through a thickness of a vertically disposed leg 22. The haunch carrier 20 is positioned at inner longitudinal top edges of the adjacent beam members 12 so as to support bridge form deck 26.

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its embodiments, herein depicted within FIGS. 1 through 11. The instant invention describes a device, generally designated as 30, which provides means to for attaching at least one haunch carrier 20 to one top edge 16 or 18 of the support beam member 12.

Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-4, wherein the device 30 is shown as including a first portion 32 having a first substantially planar surface 34 thereof abutting the top generally horizontal surface 14 of the support beam 12 when the device 30 is positioned for attaching the at least one haunch carrier 20. The first portion 32 also has a second substantially planar surface 36 spaced from the first substantially planar surface 34 to define a thickness of the first portion 32. There is also a pair of end edges 38 and 39, wherein at least one of the pair of edges, labeled as 38, is disposed in close proximity to one longitudinal top edge, labeled as 16, of the support beam 12 when the device 30 is positioned for attaching the at least one haunch carrier 20.

The device 30 also includes a second portion 40 having a first end edge 42 thereof disposed at a first end edge 38 of the first portion 32. The second portion 40 extends upwardly and generally perpendicular relative to the first portion 32. The second portion 40 also a pair of substantially planar spaced apart surfaces 44 and 46 that define a thickness of the second portion 42. A second end edge 48 is also provided and is essentially a top edge of the second portion 40 when the device 30 is positioned on the top surface 14.

A third portion 50 is also provided and has a first end edge 52 thereof disposed at an opposed second end edge 48 of the second portion 40 and has an opposed second end edge 54 thereof disposed on or in close proximity to the opposed second substantially planar surface 36 of the first portion 32. The third portion 50 is disposed at a first predetermined angle relative to the first portion 32 and at a second predetermined angle relative to the second portion. The angular disposition of the third portion 50 reinforces the device 30 and provides structural rigidity thereof. The sizes of first and second angles are determined based on the particular size of the haunch carrier 20 as well as to enable fastening thereof to the device 30 as will be explained below.

Preferably, each of the first, second and third portions, 32, 40 and 50 respectively, is a plate forming a hollow interior 58 of the device 30. It is further preferred that the first, second and third portions, 32, 40 and 50 respectively, have identical thicknesses so as to enable manufacturing of the device 30 from a single piece of metal, plastic or fiber material by one of bending, stamping, extrusion or casting processes. The presently preferred material of the device 30 is steel and the presently preferred method is bending. Accordingly, the free end of the third portion 50 is secured to the first portion 32 with a weld 76.

There is an aperture 60 that is formed through the thickness of the second portion 40. The aperture 60 disposed in a generally vertical plane when the device 30 is positioned for attaching the at least one haunch carrier 20. Preferably, the aperture 60 has a generally cross shape so as to allow vertical adjustments of the haunch carrier 20 as well as to accommodate manufacturing position tolerances of the aperture 60 and the spaced apart apertures 24 in order to receive threaded fastener 29 therethrough.

It is contemplated that the first aperture 60 may be provided as a threaded aperture, as best shown in FIG. 3, to eliminate the need for a separate nut that operatively engages the fastener 29.

In further reference to FIG. 3, it is contemplated that the second portion 40 may be provided with an abutment 64 disposed on the inner vertical surface 46 of the second portion 40 and wherein the first aperture 60 is a threaded aperture formed through each of the thickness of the second portion 40 and the abutment 64.

Combination of the nut 66 and threaded fastener 29 having a machine thread has been found advantageous, relative to screw-type fasteners, in accommodating high reaction forces and long spans of bridge structure 10.

It is also within the scope of the instant invention to retain the threaded nut 66 on the inner surface 46 of the second portion 40 in operative alignment with the aperture 60 either rigidly by way of welding or movably by way of a cage 68.

The above describes device 30 is suitable for secure attachment, by welding or any other suitable process, to the beam member 12 manufactured from metal.

When the device 30 is to be used with the beam member 12 manufactured from concrete, the device 30 further includes a flange 70 having a first end 72 thereof disposed on or in close proximity to the first substantially planar surface 34 of the first portion 32, between the ends 38, 39 thereof. The flange 70 extends downwardly and generally perpendicular relative to the first portion 32 in spaced substantially parallel relationship to the second portion 40. The flange 70 may be also provided with an anchor aperture 74 formed through a thickness thereof. The anchor aperture 74 receives concrete material therewithin, thus securing the device 30 within the top portion of the beam member 12.

The above described device 30 is suitable for use along one edge of the beam member 12 so as to attach a single haunch carrier 20.

The instant invention also contemplates that the device 30 is operative to span the entire width of the top surface 14 of the beam member 12 either to attach a single or, preferably, a pair of haunch carriers 20.

Now in a particular references to FIGS. 5-6, when the device 30 is to be employed for attachment of the pair of haunch carriers 20 to the steel beam member 12, the device 30 further includes a forth portion 80 which is disposed at a second edge 39 of the first portion 32 and which, in the presently preferred embodiment, is substantially identical to the second portion 40. The device 30 will then include an aperture 62 formed through the thickness of the forth portion 80. Equally as well, the device 30 will include a fifth portion 90 which is substantially identical to the third portion 50. The detail description of the forth portion 80 and the fifth portion 90 is omitted in this document for the sake of brevity. It is also contemplated that two devices 30 can be rigidly secured to each other at the first portions 32 thereof.

When the device 30 is to be employed for attachment of the pair of pair of haunch carriers 20 to the concrete beam member 12, the device 30 may include a second flange 70 disposed adjacent the second edge 39 of the first portion 32 and spaced apart from the first flange 70.

It is also contemplated that a pair of devices 30 can be connected together at ends carrying the end edges 39 thereon either rigidly by way of welding or fastened by way of fasteners 39′ passed through aperture 39″ formed through first portion 32 that may be also provided as an elongated slot to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. Employment of fasteners 39′ is also advantageous when the device 30 is manufactured from materials that are not suitable for welding, for example, when at least one surface of the device 30 has a polymer material coating 78, such a polyethylene or the like, adhered thereto. Advantageously, the fastener 39′ can be employed with the device 30 of FIGS. 1-4 adapted with the aperture 39″ formed through the first portion 32.

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate environmental views of employing the device 30 with either concrete beam member 12 of FIGS. 7-8 or steel beam members 12 of FIGS. 9-11 in accordance with the above-described embodiments.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 

1. In combination with a bridge structure, a unitary device for attaching at least one haunch carrier to a support beam of said bridge structure, said unitary device comprising: (a) a first portion having a first substantially planar surface thereof abutting a top generally horizontal surface of said support beam when said device is positioned for attaching said at least one haunch carrier; (b) a second portion having a first end thereof disposed at a first end of said first portion, said second portion extending upwardly and generally perpendicular relative to said first portion, wherein said first end of said first portion disposed in close proximity to one exterior edge of said support beam; (c) a third portion having a first end thereof disposed on at opposed second end of said second portion and having an opposed second end thereof disposed on an opposed second substantially planar surface of said first portion, said third portion disposed at a first predetermined angle relative to said first portion and at a second predetermined angle relative to said second portion; and (d) an aperture formed through a thickness of said second portion, said aperture disposed in a generally vertical plane when said device is positioned for attaching said at least one haunch carrier.
 2. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device includes a forth portion having a first end thereof disposed on said first substantially planar surface of said first portion, said forth portion extending downwardly and generally perpendicular relative to said first portion in spaced substantially parallel relationship to said second portion.
 3. The device, according to claim 2, wherein said device includes an aperture formed through a thickness of said forth portion.
 4. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device includes each of: (a) a forth portion having a first end thereof disposed on an opposed second end of said first portion, said forth portion extending upwardly and generally perpendicular relative to said first portion, wherein said opposed second end of said first portion is disposed in close proximity to an opposed exterior edge of said support beam; (b) a fifth portion having a first end thereof disposed on an opposed second end of said second portion and having an opposed second end thereof disposed on an opposed second generally planar surface of said first portion, said fifth portion disposed at a third predetermined angle relative to said first portion and at a forth predetermined angle relative to said forth portion; and (c) a second aperture formed through a thickness of said forth portion, said second aperture disposed in said generally vertical plane when said device is positioned for attaching said at least one haunch carrier.
 5. The device, according to claim 4, wherein said first portion is manufactured from at least a pair of sections rigidly attached to each other.
 6. The device, according to claim 4, wherein said device includes a pair of spaced apart flanges, each of said pair of spaced apart flanges having a first end thereof disposed on said first substantially planar surface of said first portion, said each of said pair of spaced apart flanges extending downwardly and generally perpendicular relative to said first portion.
 7. The device, according to claim 6, wherein said device further includes a pair of anchor apertures, each of said anchor aperture formed through one of said pair of flanges in alignment with one another.
 8. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said first aperture has a generally cross shape.
 9. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said first aperture is a threaded aperture.
 10. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device includes an abutment disposed on an inner vertical surface of said second portion and wherein said first aperture is a threaded aperture formed through each of said second portion and said abutment.
 11. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device includes a threaded nut fastener and a cage secured to an inner vertical surface of said second portion, said cage caging said threaded nut fastener in operative alignment with said aperture.
 12. The device, according to claim 1, wherein each of said first, second and third portions is a plate forming a hollow interior of said device.
 13. The device, according to claim 12, wherein said first, second and third portions have identical thicknesses.
 14. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device includes an aperture formed through a thickness of said first portion.
 15. In combination with a bridge structure, a unitary device for attaching a pair of haunch carriers to a support beam of said bridge structure, said unitary device comprising: (a) a first portion having a first substantially planar surface thereof abutting a top generally horizontal surface of said support beam when said device is positioned for attaching said at least one haunch carrier; (b) a pair of second portions, each of said pair of second portions having a first end thereof disposed at one end of said first portion, said each second portion extending upwardly and generally perpendicular relative to said first portion, wherein said one end of said first portion disposed in close proximity to one exterior edge of said support beam; (c) a pair of third portions, each of aid pair of third portions having a first end thereof disposed on at opposed second end of a respective second portion and having an opposed second end thereof disposed on an opposed second substantially planar surface of said first portion, said each third portion disposed at a first predetermined angle relative to said first portion and at a second predetermined angle relative to said respective second portion; and (d) a pair of apertures, each of said pair of apertures formed through a thickness of said respective second portion in alignment with one another, said each aperture disposed in a generally vertical plane when said device is positioned for attaching said at least one haunch carrier.
 16. The device, according to claim 15, wherein said device includes a flange having a first end thereof disposed on said first substantially planar surface of said first portion, said flange extending downwardly and generally perpendicular relative to said first portion.
 17. The device, according to claim 15, wherein said device includes a pair of spaced apart flanges, each of said pair of spaced apart flanges having a first end thereof disposed on said first substantially planar surface of said first portion, said each of said pair of spaced apart flanges extending downwardly and generally perpendicular relative to said first portion.
 18. In combination with a bridge structure, a pair of devices, each of said pair of device attaching a haunch carrier to one edge of a support beam of said bridge structure, said each of said pair of devices comprising: (a) a first portion having a first substantially planar surface thereof abutting a top generally horizontal surface of said support beam when said device is positioned for attaching said at least one haunch carrier; (b) a second portion having a first end thereof disposed at one end of said first portion, said second portion extending upwardly and generally perpendicular relative to said first portion, wherein said one end of said first portion disposed in close proximity to one exterior edge of said support beam; (c) a third portion having a first end thereof disposed on at opposed second end of said second portion and having an opposed second end thereof disposed on an opposed second substantially planar surface of said first portion, said third portion disposed at a first predetermined angle relative to said first portion and at a second predetermined angle relative to said second portion; (d) a first aperture formed through a thickness of said second portion in alignment with one another, said aperture disposed in a generally vertical plane when said device is positioned for attaching said at least one haunch carrier; (e) a second aperture formed through a thickness of said first portion; (f) wherein a free end of a first portion of a first one of said pair of devices overlaps a free end of a first portion of an opposed one of said pair of devices providing for overlapping alignment of said second apertures; and (g) wherein at least one fastener is passed through said aligned second apertures.
 19. The device, according to claim 18, wherein said device includes a polymer material coating adhered to at least one surface thereof. 